On November 30th, 2023, United Coalition East Prevention Project (UCEPP), a program of Social Model Recovery Systems, hosted a press conference and resource fair at Gladys Park for National Methamphetamine Awareness Day. The event, which was featured on SpectrumNews1, was organized to tackle the meth crisis and provide support to the Skid Row community.
Esteemed representatives from Supervisor Hilda Solis’ office, Mayor Karen Bass’ office, LA County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC), and Social Model Recovery Systems convened to address this critical issue collectively. The event showcased the collaboration among diverse organizations, delivering essential services such as housing, employment assistance, and healthcare resources. Key participants included the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Center for Living and Learning, Chrysalis, LA County Departments Economic Opportunity, Mental Health, Public Social Services, LA City Departments of Aging, and Recreation and Parks. Also participating were Doodles Without Borders, JWCH Wesley Clinic, Koreatown Youth and Community Center, LA CPR Services, LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority), Los Angeles County Division of HIV and STD Programs, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Homeless Engagement and Homeless Court Program, County District Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles Public Library, My Friend’s House Foundation, SAPC, and Sidewalk Project. This event aimed to foster a healthier, more supportive Skid Row community.
The Urgency of the Situation
Charles Porter, UCEPP Prevention Coordinator, delivered a poignant address stressing the devastating impact of methamphetamine on Skid Row. He noted that overdoses accounted for 63% of deaths and are the leading cause of morbidity among people experiencing homelessness. UCEPP’s mantras, #SkidRowConnected and #NotAnotherLoss echoed the collective commitment to raising awareness, demonstrating compassion, and enhancing access to critical resources.
Meeting Individuals Where They Are
Anthony Cespedes, Health Deputy for Supervisor Hilda Solis, highlighted the severity of LA County’s overdose crisis, describing it as the worst in its history, with alarming rates of overdoses linked to opioids, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. He pointed out the lack of awareness about the crisis and the challenges in reaching those needing substance use resources, underscoring the importance of today’s event in raising awareness. He reiterated Supervisor Solis’ commitment to health equity and outlined the supervisor’s ongoing initiatives involving various departments and community engagement, to address the methamphetamine-related overdose crisis comprehensively.
Addressing the Crisis
Dr. Gary Tsai, SAPC’s Bureau Director highlighted the growing impact of methamphetamine on communities, emphasizing the alarming rise in meth-related overdoses. He shared that California, in a groundbreaking move, obtained federal approval for a contingency management program, designed to engage those with stimulant use disorders through incentives. Dr. Tsai outlined various strategies, including significant expansions in treatment and harm reduction services, as well as the “Reaching the 95%” initiative to engage individuals not seeking help. He underscored the importance of breaking the silence surrounding addiction, advocating for unity and action within the addiction community to treat substance use disorders as a serious health condition requiring urgent attention and societal change.
Uniting Efforts Against Substance Abuse
Solomon Rivera, Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Karen Bass, commended the collaborative efforts in addressing the opioid and methamphetamine crisis. He highlighted the county’s role in leading health initiatives and spoke about Mayor Bass’ focus on addressing homelessness and substance abuse, especially within interim housing programs. His address concluded with the acknowledgment of Charles Porter and Zelenne Cardenas’, SMRS Senior Director for Prevention & Community Initiatives, leadership in Skid Row.
Voices from the Community
Representatives from Sidewalk Project, a lived experience harm reduction organization, offered valuable insights into the impact of meth use on Skid Row. The Executive Director, Soma, underlined the harm reduction perspective, urging community care and embracing overdose prevention centers. Personal journeys with drug-induced psychosis were shared, stressing the need for compassion and the need to remove the stigma associated with substance use.
Strategies for Change
Bruce Boardman, CEO of Social Model Recovery Systems, emphasized the alarming rise in overdoses. Drawing on his extensive 35-year experience in treatment, recovery, and prevention, he reflected on the evolving trends of substance abuse in the Skid Row community. He advocated for making treatment and recovery services more attractive and meeting people where they are at. Mr. Boardman underscored the importance of engaging with community members and pointed out the ongoing need for more resources.
Community Impact
National Methamphetamine Awareness Day 2023 stood as a testament to collective action, unity, and a steadfast commitment to addressing the methamphetamine epidemic. The event’s impact extended beyond symbolic gestures, offering hope, and emphasizing the strength found in compassion and shared responsibility within the community.
UCEPP and Social Model Recovery Systems express sincere gratitude to all partners for their contributions to the success of National Meth Awareness Day in Skid Row. Their collaborative efforts significantly impacted the community, with organizations providing wide-ranging support. Highlights include the DMV assisting 40 individuals with IDs, LAHSA addressing housing issues with 56 people, the City Attorney’s Office offering legal aid to 25 individuals, and DPSS aiding 36 people. The diverse nature of assistance was evident, from medical support at the Wesley Mobile Clinic to job discussions by Chrysalis and the City Department of Recreation and Parks, providing over 200 hot meals. The day was marked by the dissemination of educational materials, community engagement through participatory artwork, health-related activities like CPR training, and the distribution of hygiene supplies. Special appreciation is extended to Mayor Karen Bass and Supervisor Hilda Solis for their shared commitment to a healthier, more informed community.
